Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by B. K. S. Iyengar

Author:B. K. S. Iyengar [Iyengar, B.K.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007381623
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2003-12-06T16:00:00+00:00

11.51 bahya abhyantara visaya aksepi caturthah

bahya external

abhyantara internal

visaya region, sphere, an object, reference, aim, realm

aksepi passing over, gaining over, overcoming, transcending

caturthah the fourth

The fourth type of pranayama transcends the external and internal pranayamas, and appears effortless and non-deliberate.

The fourth type of pranayama goes beyond the regulation or modulation of breath flow and retention, transcending the methodology given in the previous sutra. It is a state similar to kevala kumbhaka, which is mentioned in the hathayoga texts and in the yoga upanisads.

When the movement of the breath functions without one’s volition or effort, the fourth stage of pranayama has been reached. The movements of the mind and consciousness cease. The flows of vital energy, intelligence and consciousness come to a standstill except for subliminal impressions. This is like virama pratyaya, as explained in 1.18. A state of pause is experienced, in both the breath and the mind. From this springs forth a new awakening and the light of intelligence vigorously penetrates the sadhaka’s innermost being.

Since this fourth stage contains no restrictions, it transcends the range of movements described in the pranayamas of 11.50. It is therefore a ‘seedless’ (nirbija) pranayama.

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